Rosenstein testified that he is the only one who has the authority to fire Mueller, who was appointed following the May 9 ousting of James Comey as Federal Bureau of Investigation director, and that he had seen no good cause to do so. Sure, some of his top allies have started questioning Robert Mueller's credibility and decrying a "witch hunt" in the making (this was quite a reversal for some).
Spicer had said that Ruddy was at the White House Monday to meet with White House aides, but did not speak with the president.
The effort to muddy the waters surrounding the investigation is coming amid growing White House concern that the probe could detract from the president's agenda for months or years to come.
And that boss, Jeff Sessions, also promised Tuesday not to get involved in any firing.
Former FBI Director James Comey's testimony last week sparked questions about whether Trump tried to obstruct justice.
But expressions of discontent with Mueller are bubbling up nonetheless.
Mueller's investigation will oversee an FBI probe into whether members of Trump's campaign team and his associates colluded to help Russian Federation with its interference in the election. He added that fundraising records show some of the lawyers whom Mueller selected for his team have contributed to Democrats. Should Rosenstein refuse, Trump could ask him to resign or fire him and direct his successor to fire Mueller.
Even if Trump did want to fire Mueller, it is far from clear that he would be able to do so - at least not very easily.
Mueller's spokesperson declined to comment. In general, it is impermissible to ask prospective government hires about their political leanings, including whether they've made donations.
Spider-Man swings into E3
But, the title that stood out to me personally is the Spider-Man game developed by Insomniac exclusively for the PlayStation 4 . Sony's showcase for the PlayStation at this year's E3 gaming conference was all about the platform's blockbuster games.
On Monday evening, Chris Ruddy, CEO of the right wing news website Newsmax and loyal friend of the president told PBS News Hour he believed Trump was weighing the option of firing Mueller.
"Mr. Ruddy never spoke to the president regarding this issue", White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said in a statement. For one thing, the attorney general testified in a separate congressional hearing: "I have confidence in Mr. Mueller". The person demanded anonymity to discuss strategy on the sensitive matter.
If Mueller knew he was going to be named special counsel, it is unlikely he divulged that information to Trump.
Trump reportedly became aware of the longtime relationship between Mueller and Comey after being alerted to reports on Breitbart News and other conservative media outlets.
Trump supporters are mounting a campaign to have the US President fire Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller, who is tasked with investigating Russian subversion of the 2016 elections, amid expressions of adulation and sycophancy by his cabinet colleagues that has drawn derisive comparison to what happens in dictatorships and totalitarian regimes.
Mr Sessions, who was appointed as Donald Trump's top justice official, said he did not recall meeting the Russian ambassador to the United States at an April event in the Mayflower Hotel in Washington attended by the U.S. president, contrary to recent media reports. The NSA said it was working hand in glove with the special counsel on the investigation. The Times report said that Trump considered firing Mueller, something TheDC's source confirmed. Rosenstein has served as acting attorney general for the Russian Federation investigation since Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from that investigation in March. "This is something that I think is a rumor that came out last night".
He says he is confident that Comey understood and would abide by the Justice Departments rules on communications with the White House about ongoing investigations.
"When the day comes that our country can not rely on people to deliver the truth about whatever the subject is from positions of great authority and great reputations, like Mueller, and if we just dismiss those as not being able to deliver us the truth about an issue, we've got more problems than we think we have", Womack said. "I don't question his integrity at all, but he has to be careful not to create the impression of partiality".
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